This talk was given in 2011, based on early studies of data, but the analysis has now been borne out by figures from the government itself.
The August ‘riots’ in Britain last summer were portrayed by the media and politicians as the actions of ‘greedy feral youth’ or ‘gangs’ within a ‘criminal underclass’. Most of these politically loaded explanations were presented before what had happened was even known. Using hard research and the voices of participants, this event will provide an analysis of the ‘riots’ of August, considering what (actually) happened, who was involved and how they did it. This approach is complimented by a critique of the content and use of government statistics and the representation of the disturbances in the media and mainstream politics.
Rebellion in Tottenham film:
This film was also shown at the above night and film maker Sean from reel news was on the panel.
“The police murder an innocent man, then let Tottenham burn. The real story, told by local people who were there. URGENT: to get justice we first need to get the truth out – please send this link to at least 10 other people and ask them to do the same.”
More info:
Radio interview on the riots
http://libcom.org/library/anatomy-riot-radio-interview-bristol-radical-history-group
Detailed article on the riots by Aufheben
http://libcom.org/library/intakes-communities-commodities-class-august-2011-riots-aufheben
Radical statistics Journal on the riots.
http://www.radstats.org.uk/no106/BallDrury106.pdf